10 Mental Health Tips for Seniors: How To Fight Mental Health Issues and Enjoy Life to the Fullest

Sudden mood changes and feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness — you’re beginning to go through these more often, and your family and friends are noticing it, too. They’re wondering if you are experiencing mental health issues, and if you were honest with yourself, you’re beginning to think the same thing as well.

You know mental health issues aren’t anything to be embarrassed by, but you also don’t like the way you feel. You’re searching for mental health tips for seniors dealing with depression, anxiety, and mood changes.

Below, we’ll discuss some reasons seniors may struggle with mental health, signs to look for, and tips to keep your mind and body active so you or your family member can enjoy a happy and fulfilling lifestyle in your senior years.

Table of Contents

• What Are the Most Common Mental Health Problems in Older Adults?
• What Are the Signs of Poor Mental Health in the Elderly?
• 10 Mental Health Tips for Seniors
• How Senior Living Can Help with Mental Health for Seniors 
• Senior Services of America: Senior Living Communities Built on Dignity and Respect 

What Are the Most Common Mental Health Problems in Older Adults?

Though anyone can experience mental health problems throughout life, senior adults may struggle more with depression, loneliness, and anxiety than they did in their younger years. The increase in these feelings may be due to a variety of risk factors, including:

• Inability to be out and about
• Grief from friends and loved ones who have passed away
• Dealing with a chronic illness
• Prejudice felt because of their age
• Insufficient living conditions
• Elder abuse
• Lack of financial and emotional support
• Realizing their limitations
• Inability to find purpose

What Are the Signs of Poor Mental Health in the Elderly?

Signs of mental health issues may be similar across the board no matter what your age, but senior citizens struggling with poor mental health may show some of these signs: ​​

• Less enjoyment of the things they used to love doing
• Isolating or distancing themselves from others
• Taking medication irregularly
• Skipping doctor appointments
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Showing anger, aggression, or irritability
• Increased anxiety, stress, and worry
• Less concern about personal care or appearance
• Changes in mood and energy levels
• Trouble concentrating
• Feeling “on edge”
• Physical signs like pain, headaches, digestive problems
• Depression, sadness, loneliness
• Obsessive or compulsive behavior
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Thoughts or talk of suicide

10 Mental Health Tips for Seniors

#1: Maintain a Healthy Diet 

We know that consistently sticking to a healthy diet provides loads of physical benefits, but keeping your body strong with a healthy diet also benefits the mind.

The digestive tract and the brain are tightly connected, and gut health plays a crucial role in mental health. Eating a balanced diet allows for sufficient production of good bacteria, dopamine, and serotonin. When your body is deficient in these chemicals, it can lead to depression and anxiety. The converse is true as well — producing these chemicals in the right amounts can influence your mood and emotions.

A healthy diet can also provide these additional benefits:

• Less fatigue and higher energy levels
• Better cognitive function
• Reduced inflammation
• Better sleep
• Healthy weight

The National Institutes of Health reports some evidence that following a Mediterranean diet may result in fewer signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Because this diet includes fruits, vegetables, fish, beans, and whole grains that are high in antioxidants, this may help protect against damage to brain cells, leading to improved memory and cognitive skills. A study completed in March 2023 suggests that following a Mediterranean diet may reduce the risk of dementia by up to 23%.

#2: Make Sleep a Priority 

Getting quality sleep, and enough of it, is key to experiencing maximum emotional, mental, and physical health. While we’re asleep, our bodies are rejuvenated, and our emotions and moods are regulated. When the elderly don’t get enough sleep, they can’t take advantage of those renewing processes which may result in anxiety, stress, and depression.

Additionally, the risk of depression, hypertension, and diabetes increases when seniors don’t get enough sleep, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The unfortunate thing is that getting good sleep tends to get harder as we age, creating a catch-22. 

To make sleep a priority and to get the best sleep you can, these tips may help:

• Create a consistent sleep routine, including a regular bedtime and practicing calming activities before going to bed.
• Practice a healthy lifestyle, including eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Avoid electronics before bedtime.
• Speak to your health provider about medications you are taking that might disrupt your sleep.
• Make your space restful with a comfortable mattress and bedding.
• Keep the room dark and cool at night.
• Reduce noise or use a white noise machine.

#3: Exercise Regularly

There’s no denying the physical benefits of regular exercise, but did you know that staying physically active also has advantages for your mental state?

Many studies — like this one performed in January 2023 — have shown mental benefits from regular exercise. In this study, participants experienced improved sleep, better mood, less depression and anxiety, and some improvements in psychiatric disorders.

Consult your doctor before embarking on a new exercise routine. Even if you’re in a wheelchair or have limited mobility, your healthcare professional can help with gentle ways to keep you moving.

Depending on your present physical abilities, consider these activities to stay active:

• Weight training (using light weights or body weight)
• Pilates
• Yoga
• Water aerobics
• Yoga
• Walking
• Dance classes
• Balance exercises

#4: Seek Mental Stimulation

Just like physical exercise, there are many ways to exercise the brain and keep it mentally fit. Check out this mixture of activities — some that require online connectivity and others that don’t:

• Looking at photo albums
• Coloring
• Listening to classical music
• Reading
• Journaling
• Watching movies
• Learning new skills, like photography, painting, knitting, etc.
• Learning a new language with apps like:
  • Duolingo
  • Babbel
  • Memrise
• Playing games and puzzles
  • Sudoku
  • Crossword puzzles
  • Jigsaw puzzles
  • Scrabble
  • Words With Friends app
  • Card games

#5: Build or Maintain a Social Life

According to a study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, maintaining social connections is key to maintaining mental health for the elderly. The study showed that “social disconnectedness independently predicted depression and anxiety symptom severity (and vice versa).”

To stay engaged socially and promote a sense of purpose and belonging, you or your older loved one can employ some of these ideas:

• Call friends or family members regularly
• Participate in senior living events
• Meet friends for lunch or other outings
• Volunteer
• Attend church or other worship services
• Join a social club or book club
• Stay connected online via:
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Zoom

#6: Practice Relaxation Techniques

Anxiety and stress are contributors to poor mental health in the elderly. Relaxation techniques can help combat these effects. To promote relaxation and diminish anxiety, try some of these relaxing activities:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Breathing exercises
• Progressive muscle relaxation
• Nature walks

#7: Become a Volunteer

Seniors who are retired or aren’t on the go as much as they used to may feel lonely and lack a sense of purpose. Volunteering for an organization or cause that is close to their heart can be a rewarding way to find fulfillment while helping others.

Volunteering also offers other benefits to mental health, like:

• Socialization
• Feeling valued
• Physical activity
• Community involvement
• Making new friends

Volunteering opportunities are numerous. Check for some of these ways to volunteer in your community:

• Reading to children at schools or the library
• Tutoring
• Hospital volunteering
• Helping in a food pantry or soup kitchen
• Helping in an animal shelter
• And more

#8: Take Up a New Hobby

Retirement is a perfect time to learn that new hobby you’ve been putting off till you have more time. Now you have the time, and taking up a new hobby or learning a new skill is a great way to keep your mind engaged. 

Studies have shown that neuroplasticity increases when we learn new things. Neuronal pathways are strengthened, and new connections are made, resulting in increased feelings of belonging and better mental health. 

And if you learn a new hobby with a group of other senior adults, it can also become an excellent social outlet.

Not sure which hobby to start with? Try one of these:

• Gardening
• Painting
• Sewing
• Quilting
• Learning to play an instrument

#9: Get a Pet

There’s a reason for the popular saying, “A dog is a man’s best friend.” According to studies, pets can help:

• Decrease loneliness
• Increase feelings of companionship
• Boost your mood
• Decrease blood pressure
• Increase opportunities for socialization
• Increase happiness

If you’re not able to keep a pet, volunteering at an animal shelter is a great way to get your fill of puppy snuggles.

#10: Seek Medical Care

No matter the age, anyone can experience mental health issues. It is common and certainly nothing to be ashamed of. When struggling with mental health, the first step is to talk with your doctor.

When seeing your physician, be sure to share any symptoms you may be experiencing — trouble sleeping, mood changes, anxiety, etc. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a medication that may help or refer you to a counselor or therapist. Many times, a combination of therapy and medication can help with depression, anxiety, or other emotional struggles.

How Senior Living Can Help with Mental Health for Seniors 

One of the top benefits of living in a senior community is that residents are surrounded by people, so there is always someone to keep an eye out for and help monitor their mood and mental health. Not only are people around to be an extra set of eyes, but other residents and staff are also available for regular interaction and socialization.

However, if you or your loved one has a specific mental illness, you’ll want to check with the community ahead of time to be sure they are equipped to provide adequate support. 

Often, the assumption is that once someone enters a senior living community, they lose their independence, but most residents find the opposite to be true. Everything the person needs can be found right at their fingertips, including:

• Delicious meals
• Help with laundry and housekeeping
• Transportation
• Activities
• Exercise classes
• Social events
• And more

Senior Services of America communities also believe maintaining family ties is a priority. That’s why we welcome and encourage regular family involvement through:

• Regular family nights
• Special events
• Private dining rooms for family get-togethers

Senior living can help seniors and their loved ones get back to enjoying spending time together. Because the specifics of care are being handled by the senior living community, interaction with your loved one can return to just enjoying one another and the time you spend together.

Senior Services of America: Senior Living Communities Built on Dignity and Respect

Our communities are ready to welcome you or your loved one and provide services to help live life to the fullest. They offer a variety of services, including:

• Independent living
• Assisted living
• Memory care
• Respite care

We tailor our care plans to your specific needs while also maximizing independence and accommodating your lifestyle. Find your nearest community today to learn all that senior living has to offer you and your family.